Skip to main content

Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Cubs Thistle Award

Cubs Thistle Award

Scottish Thistle Award badge

The Thistle Awards provide a focus on Scotland, it’s people, and culture — whilst being fun and challenging for young people.

Complete nine tasks with three from each section.

How to earn your badge:

  1. Outdoor and adventure
    1. Go on a nature ramble and make a poster of all the different local flora and fauna that you spot.
    2. Take part in your own mini Highland games.
    3. Participate in a new activity as a Cub at an adventurous location. You might consider one of the three Scottish Scout Adventure Centres.
    4. Visit a National Trust for Scotland/Historic Scotland/ Scottish Natural Heritage site or similar.
    5. Go on an orienteering or geocaching haggis hunt.
    6. Try two new sports which are played in Scotland.
  2. Skills
    1. Cook and serve a simple traditional Scottish meal.
    2. Learn and recite a Scottish poem or verse.
    3. Bake a traditional Scottish teatime treat e.g. shortbread, scones, etc.
    4. Perform a Scottish Song. This could be by singing or playing an instrument.
    5. Learn some simple phrases in Gaelic to allow you to have a short conversation.
    6. Keep a diary for a week of what food and drinks you have. Highlight which foods are Scottish and those which you think are healthy. Discuss with the rest of your Pack.
  3. World
    1. Take part in an international Scouting event.
    2. Create a link with a Cub Pack from a different country.
    3. Visit an International camp (like Blair Atholl), or invite a participant from an International camp to come to talk to you about their experience.
    4. Find out about your local area and what it was like in the past, and present your findings to others.
    5. Invite someone from a Scottish charity to speak to your Pack about their work.
    6. Visit a significant religious site in Scotland.

April 2024.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

Looking for activities for this badge